Sternalis muscle

Sternalis muscle is a rare and variable muscle located in the thoracic region of the human body. It is considered an anatomical variation rather than a standard element of human anatomy. The muscle is named for its location adjacent to the sternum, or breastbone.

Etymology

The term "sternalis" is derived from the Latin word "sternon," meaning chest or breastbone. This is in reference to the muscle's location along the sternum.

Anatomy

The sternalis muscle is typically located anterior to the pectoralis major muscle, running parallel to the sternum. It is often, but not always, bilateral, meaning it can be found on both sides of the body. The muscle originates from the superior aspect of the sternum and the adjacent costal cartilages, and inserts into the lower part of the pectoralis major or the rectus sheath.

Clinical significance

The presence of the sternalis muscle can have implications in medical procedures such as breast surgery or thoracic surgery. It can also appear as an anomaly in imaging studies, potentially leading to misdiagnosis if the clinician is not familiar with this anatomical variation.

Related terms

• Anatomical variation
• Thoracic surgery
• Pectoralis major muscle
• Sternum

See also

• List of muscles of the human body

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  Sternalis muscle illustration from Grant 1962
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  CT sagittal and volume rendering of the sternalis muscle
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  Rectus sternalis and the great pectoral chest muscle
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  Sternalis muscle illustration from Braus 1921
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  CT axial and volume rendering of the sternalis muscle